draconian means of or relating to Draco, the first legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 81 out of 100.
Why this word is great
DRACONIAN — [Adjective] Excessively harsh or severe, especially in reference to laws or measures. From the Latin Dracōn- (stem of Dracō, "Draco"), the name of a 7th-century B.C. Athenian legislator known for his severe legal code, + the English suffix -ian. Unlike “stringent” (which emphasizes rigorous precision) or “austere” (which suggests stern simplicity), “draconian” carries the ancient, metallic weight of disproportionate punishment codified into law. It is the mandatory life sentence for stealing a loaf of bread, the confiscatory fine that bankrupts a small shop, the zero-tolerance edict that expels a child for a forgotten pocketknife—the grim shadow where law ossifies into mere punishment.
adj
- Of or relating to Draco, the first legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece.“As to the details of the Draconian constitution, it is certainly surprising to find so many institutions and offices referred to, which had hitherto been only known to exist at a later date.”
- Very severe, cruel, or harsh.“The mayor announced draconian budget cuts today.”
- Of, relating to, characteristic of, or resembling a dragon.“The dragon came low to the earth. It defied every image of a draconian being Kulp had ever seen.”
noun
- A creature resembling a dragon.“... Draconians are fast. They'll fly to meet us no doubt. I remember after a few moments that the human queen is here as well. I call out to her, “Human queen, you are rescued by the Draconians. Come forth and know that you are safe under[…]”